This autumn, Soho’s cocktail scene will welcome Kamara, a new Eastern Mediterranean-inspired bar from the founders of London restaurant chain Brother Marcus. Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large, who operate six sites under the Brother Marcus banner, have taken over the Poland Street space formerly home to The Blind Pig and enlisted acclaimed bartender Angelos Bafas to craft the drinks program.
Bafas, currently bar manager at Nipperkin, made waves earlier this year with the release of his first bartending book. Known for his focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Bafas brings this ethos to Kamara’s cocktail menu, which will showcase macerated spirits, house ferments, and wild-foraged British produce. Adding an artisanal touch, all drinks will be served in custom pottery made by independent Cretan artisans, reinforcing the bar’s Mediterranean roots.
Several cocktails have been revealed ahead of launch, including the Tuvunu Highball — a bright mix of Metaxa 12, Kamara fig brandy, Greek mountain tea, fermented figs, and fig leaf soda. The Coffee and Honey Old Fashioned combines Bourbon, Cretan eau de vie, Exmoor honey, and British burnt butter for a rich, layered sip. For those seeking a spirit-free option, the Mahleb Gimlet features Axia mastiha and Tsipouro macerated in Essex-grown cardamom leaf, delivering a unique aromatic profile.
Beyond cocktails, Kamara will offer a carefully curated wine list highlighting producers from Greece, Georgia, and Lebanon, paired with a menu of Eastern Mediterranean-inspired small plates to complement the drinks.
Designed by Finch Studio, the 83-cover venue reflects its theme with an earthy palette, Cretan pottery accents, bronze detailing, and a cave-like ceiling with rugged textures evocative of the Mediterranean coast.
While the exact opening date remains unconfirmed, Kamara is expected to welcome guests this autumn, operating Tuesday through Sunday with late hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kamara arrives as London continues to expand its vibrant bar landscape, alongside recent openings like All My Gods and La-Yam, with beloved venue Bunga Bunga set to reopen in September.
In wider UK hospitality news, new government licensing rules are due to introduce protections for venues against noise complaints, promising relief for operators and patrons alike.
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